Faculty

Dr. Vincent Rinaldo

Bio

I have over 25 years of teaching experience at the K-12 and university levels and over 30 years of experience as a professional musician. I currently teach graduate courses in educational research and statistics and in the assessment of learning, and undergraduate courses in the assessment of learning. I have been on faculty at Niagara University since January 2002, have held the rank of professor since fall of 2011, and am currently serving as the Chairperson for the Department of Middle Childhood and Adolescent Education.

Focus of Teaching

My teaching is focused on effective pedagogy and the classroom teacher as an educational researcher who, through the application of fundamental research principles and methods creates and implements valid and reliable assessments of both instruction and student learning.

Current Research

My primary area of research is in the area of professional dispositions and in particular effective dispositions of teacher candidates. Along with my research team we have created both an instrument and process for assessment of dispositions which is currently being piloted by more than 80 institutions across the United States. In addition to this area of study, I maintain my musical connections by performing both live and in studio and have authored two music programs for grades 1-8 that have been adopted as the primary music resources by a number of school districts in the province of Ontario as well as by the New York City Department of Education.

Educational Background

Current Involvement

I hold memberships to several Special Interest Groups (SIGs) housed under the American Educational Research Association including: Division C: Learning and Instruction, the John Dewey Society, the Holistic Education SIG, the Music Educator SIG, and the Law SIG. I also hold membership in the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Educators, the American Association of University Professors and the Ontario College of Teachers.